Rhinos News

Rochester, N.Y. - The Rochester Rhinos have agreed to terms with midfielder Ross LaBauex for the 2013 USL PRO season. The 24 year-old midfielder graduated from the University of Virginia in 2009, and has played the last three seasons with the Colorado Rapids (MLS). LaBauex is expected to join Michael Tanke and 2011 Rhinos MVP Tyler Rosenund in central midfield.

“Ross is a two-way central midfielder who is going to be able to help us in defense and in the attack.” Rhinos head coach Jesse Myers said. “He's fast. He's a tenacious defender who can close down an opponent quickly, and he can tackle. We're looking for him to join Rosey as a box-to-box midfielder, with Tanke providing some grit for us in central midfield.”

LaBauex played in 72 matches and made 55 starts for the University of Virginia from 2006 to 2009. He had his best scoring season for the Cavaliers in 2007 when he finished second on the team in goals with seven, and led all returning players with 18 points. In 2009 he was a senior captain and helped lead his team to win the National Championship. As a defensive midfielder he helped the Cavaliers defense post eleven consecutive shutouts during the season, and he was named to the All-ACC Second Team at the end of the season.

After attending the MLS Combine at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, LaBauex was the Colorado Rapids Second Round (23rd overall) selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. He made 18 appearances with the club. He was on Colorado's roster when they won the 2010 MLS Cup, and when they played in the 2011-2012 CONCACAF Champion's League.

“We're happy with how our midfield is coming together for this season.” said Myers. “We're bringing back Tyler Rosenlund, J.C. Banks, Michael Tanke, Danny Earls, and Chris Estridge from last year's team, and now we've added Ross to that group. We identified some talented midfielders in our combine at TSE last week, and we're looking to add another piece to this group from MLS. It looks like the New England Revolution could also send us a couple young midfielders. This is shaping up to be a young, deep, talented group which is exactly what we need to be successful in our league.”

The Rochester Rhinos open training camp on Saturday, March 16th with morning physicals and an afternoon training session at 4PM in Sahlen's Stadium. The Rhinos first pre-season game is on Thursday, March 21st at 7:30PM against Canisius College (NCAA Division I). The Rhinos open their 18th season on Saturday, April 13th at 7:30 PM against Tampa Bay. The Rhinos home opener is on Saturday, May 4th at 7PM against Harrisburg City in Sahlen's Stadium. Season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are currently available, and they can be purchased by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com.

About the Rochester Rhinos

The Rochester Rhinos, the most successful soccer club in the United States and Canada outside of Major League Soccer, were founded in 1996 and currently play in the USL PRO Division – the top tier of the United Soccer Leagues. The Rhinos have appeared in eight finals and won four championships including the 1999 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and three A-League Championships (1998, 2000, 2001). In 2013 the the New England Revolution became the official MLS affiliate of the Rochester Rhinos.

All home matches are played in western New York's premier outdoor sport's facility, Sahlen's Stadium, located in downtown Rochester. For group and season tickets visit our website www.rhinossoccer.com or call the MVP Health Care Box Office in Sahlen's Stadium at (585)454-KICK. Don't forget to follow the club on Twitter (@rochesterrhinos) and on Facebook (RochesterRhinos) to stay up to date on all the latest news.